If peace does break out on a permanent basis, the ceasefire holding, if the blockade is lifted and freer movement occurs, Gaza might be the most interesting place in the world for tourists to visit, to catch up on both their tans and history.

The Cairo Book Fair, the second largest book fair in the world, is an amazing event -- vendors sprawl through dozens of exhibition halls as visitors come in droves. If only Book Expo America were like this.

I have to admit that at first I was afraid to enter, but it was what I spent two years working on - the debut of the Arabic version of my book, Gay Travels in the Muslim World, here in the Muslim world itself.

I leave Baghdad soon, this beautiful, dangerous and ancient capital, wondering what to make of this tale of two cities for the gay men I have met who must walk a precarious balance in this still war-torn place.